Plans to transform the former Pencil Factory in Keswick into a new home for the town's annual convention have been given the green light.

Members of the Lake District National Park Authority's development control committee unanimously voted for approval of the ambitious plans by Keswick Ministries.

The final planning approval has been delegated to its head of development management, subject to conditions, including the charity submitting assessments of flood risk, renewable energy, acoustics, a tree survey and transport plan.

Work will start on the project as soon as final planning approval is granted and it is hoped it will be ready to host Keswick Convention next year.

The charity will create a single integrated site combining the factory land and its Rawnsley Hall site next door.

It will vacate its existing Skiddaw Street base, which currently hosts the event’s main tent.

The Christian convention takes place over three weeks every summer and organisers say it attracts between 12,000 and 15,000 people each year to the town.

The charity wants to refurbish the factory building to create a conference centre, reception and office space plus amenities for conference workers.

Outside spaces are planned for its main marquee and two smaller marquees, which would be put up each year for the event.

James Robson, ministry director, said: “This is a wonderful milestone in our charity’s 140-year history and for the town of Keswick.

"The site, which has been derelict for 10 years, will be transformed into a facility that the town and the people of the Lake District can be proud of.”

As well as the convention, the facility will host Keswick Ministries’ teaching and training courses and be used by visiting groups.

The charity hopes the conference space will be in demand by organisations from around the country.

Mr Robson added: “Our vision is to create an even better convention experience for supporters on one site with improved facilities, plus a modern venue in this World Heritage Site that will attract many other visiting groups throughout the year."

Plans to redevelop Keswick’s redundant pencil factory look set to take a major step forward next week.

The Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee is set to consider plans to turn the site into a new home for the annual Keswick Convention.

Keswick Ministries, the charity behind the plans, wants to create a single integrated site combining the factory land and its Rawnsley Hall site next door.

If the planned redevelopment goes ahead, the charity plans to vacate its existing Skiddaw Street base, which currently hosts the event’s main tent.

The Christian convention takes place over three weeks every summer and attracts 12,000 to 15,000 people each year to the town.

More than 150 messages of support for the proposal were sent to the planning authority and 15 letters of objection were also received.

They raised concerns about issues including potential noise and disturbance, parking, traffic and access, and taking business away from other venues.

A report by planners says: “The proposed design for the buildings and site would result in a significant improvement in the appearance of the building and the setting of the Keswick conservation area and, despite the loss of mature trees and the associated visual impact, the opportunity for comprehensive long-term hard and soft landscaping scheme for the site and its management, together with the benefits of the scheme, would outweigh this loss.”